AUS Open: Down Goes Nadal

01/19/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

#1 Rafael Nadal Stunned by American Mackenzie McDonald in 2nd Round of Australian Open

You could tell he wasn’t right. Rafael Nadal lowered his head between sets and didn’t look like himself. A hip injury in the second set caused Nadal to play below 100 percent and fall in the second round at Melbourne to American Mackenzie McDonald (6-4, 6-4, 7-5). He admitted after the match that he didn’t want to resign early as the reigning champion. But after just two rounds, the 36-year-old No. 1 seed is already out.

 

Watch: McDonald Upsets Injured Nadal in Round 2

 

The Australian Open continued with more Round 2 action on Wednesday without any other major upsets in the men’s draw. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff took down Emma Raducanu in the match of the day on the women’s side. Here’s the latest from Melbourne:

 

Men’s Highlights

#3 S. Tsitsipas def. R. Hijikata (6-3, 6-0, 6-2)

#5 A. Rublev def. E. Ruusuvuori (6-2, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3)

#7 D. Medvedev def. J. Milliman (7-5, 6-2, 6-2)

#10 H. Hurkacz def. L. Sonego (3-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3)

 

In Action Overnight: #2 C. Ruud, #4 N. Djokovic, #9 H. Rune

 

Women’s Highlights

#5 A. Sabalenka def. S. Rogers (6-3, 6-1)

#7 C. Gauff def. E. Raducanu (6-3, 7-6)

V. Gracheva def. #8 D. Kasatkina (6-1, 6-1)

K. Volynets def. #9 V. Kudermetova (6-4, 2-6, 6-2)

 

In Action Overnight: #2 O. Jabeur, #4 C. Garcia, #12 B. Bencic

 

Additional Storylines

Yahoo!: Defending Champion Rafael Nadal Hobbles Out of Australian Open

Tennis.com: Coco Gauff Battles Past Emma Raducanu for 100th WTA Career Win

 

Photo: Will Murray / Getty Images